As we prepare to bid farewell to 2022, I hope you and your family are all well. I would also take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for your continued support and understanding towards our organization.
This year marked the bilateral diplomatic relationship between Japan and New Zealand. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, JANZ Society will be conducting its annual New Year’s Party at the New Zealand Ambassador’s Residence, with the generous support and cooperation from the NZ Embassy.
We feel very privileged to have the Ambassador and other executive officers from both the New Zealand and the Australian Embassies, as well as members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as expected attendees.

Part I “New Zealand–Japan 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations”
The diplomatic relations between Japan and New Zealand commenced on April 28, 1952, with the
entering into force of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. Mr. Hiroyasu Kobayashi, former Japanese
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to New Zealand will talk about the history as well as his
hopes towards the future of the bilateral relationship.

Hiroyuki Kobayashi
Born 1955 in Tokyo. Graduated Hitotsubashi Unvierstiy. Joined the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs in 1979.
Served as Consulate General of Japan in Dubai, Chief of Nagano Prefecture’s
Police Headquarters, Japanese Ambassador to Republic of Botswana, Iran and
New Zealand. He gave an effective lecture on New Zealand and its relationship
with Japan for the JANZ Society in May 2021.

Part II “Edo and ECO”
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is a globally shared blueprint for peace and
prosperity, was in fact already adopted by the people of the Edo period in which the basis of its sustained
economy and cultural development was not mass production and mass consumption, but rather the full
utilization of limited resources.
Ukiyo–e specialist Kentaro Makino and Somezuri space artist Shunichi Kinoshita will provide insights to
the ingenious life style of the Edo period through the art of ukiyo–e.
Moreover, we will be hearing how New Zealand and Australia actively support SDG implementation.
Finally, a look into the future beyond the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Kentaro Makino
Has been in charge of the Japanese side for the joint Ukiyoe digitalization
project with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. His lectures will make you time
travel back to the Edo Period through ukiyo–e.
Member of the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan, former
NHK Promotion producer, Toyoko Inn Executive officer for Art and Culutre. Has
given many interesting lecutures to JANZ.,

Shunichi Kida
Space Artist. Representative of ‘Washi no Somezuri Kōbō Qbic’ (Qbic Works)
Famous for digitally printing photographs, illustration, graphics and ukiyo–e art
works onto washi (Japanese traditional paper).
Collaboration with politician, movie director, musician, dancer, author, fashion
designer, stage director, calligrapher, painter, photographer, and other
worldwide creators.

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JANZ Society Inc, New Year’s Party

Date : Thursday, January 19, 2023
Time : 6:00 pm ⁓ 8:00pm (Registration to commence at 5:30pm)
Venue : New Zealand Embassy, Ambassador’s Residence
20-40 Kamiyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Fee : JPY 6,000 (JANZ members and family, ANZCCJ, NFJAS, NFJNZS, Tokyo-Australia-kai)
　　　JPY 7,000(Non-members)
Dress code: Business attire (jacket and tie)
Capacity : Limited to 70 attendees (JANZ members have priority)
RSVP : by Thursday, 12 January, 2023 ※On a first come, first served basis

Online sign-ups via Peatix
http://janz2023-70.peatix.com